Abisko: Hiking, winter and Arctic nature

Abisko appeals to travelers who want to explore Arctic landscapes on foot or compare activities for different seasons. Abisko National Park is a high-Arctic mountain landscape: birch forests, open heathland and meadows alternate with rugged, sparsely vegetated mountain areas. The plant life is another distinctive feature of the park; it is among the most species-rich in the Swedish mountains. In summer, for example, alpine pasqueflowers and Lapland rosebay may bloom along the Njakajauristigen.

Landscape and trails in Abisko National Park

The Kungsleden passes through the area and runs south between Lapporten (Čuonjavággi) and Mount Njullá (Nuolja). The Abiskoeatnu Canyon, near Naturum Abisko and the tourist station, is an easily accessible gorge. An accessible trail runs along the canyon. The trail by the canyon has a wooden boardwalk with railings; from there, you can see steep rock walls and the clear water below.

For a short walk to the lakeshore, consider the Torneträsk trail: it is about 1.2 kilometers one way. Yellow wagtails and bluethroats can be spotted in the surrounding birch heath, although sightings are not guaranteed. There is also an accessible fire pit by the shore, with benches and information about Torneträsk. Another trail option is Hälsoslingan Fågelkullen. It passes the deep canyon; the wind shelter on Fågelkullen offers expansive views. The trail is relatively easy to walk, but includes roots, rocks and a few short, steep climbs.

Hälsoslingan Njakajauristigen runs through the national park and offers a glimpse of several habitat types found there. It provides views of the Abiskojokk and Lapporten. Entry to the bird sanctuary in the delta at the mouth of the Abiskojåkka is prohibited from May 1 to July 31.

Naturum, culture and seasonal activities

Naturum Abisko has a permanent exhibition about the plant and animal life, geology and history of Abisko National Park. Guided tours and other activities are offered there in summer; check current dates before your trip. Samevistet is another cultural site: a reconstruction of life in a settlement used in autumn and spring, with storage buildings, kåtas and drying racks. STF Abisko offers guided tours there, although availability may vary.

Another link between a trail and history leads to Marmorbrottet. The orange-marked Njakajaure nature trail follows the trail and the Kungsleden for just under three kilometers to reach it. Some marble was quarried at Marmorbrottet in the 19th century. The route thus combines a specific hiking option with a historical connection, without requiring a longer circular walk.

Summer on Nuolja, winter in the mountains

A cable car goes up Nuolja to the STF Aurora Sky Station; seasonal operations may vary. The summer cable car reaches an altitude of 900 meters above sea level in about 20 minutes. Several hiking trails start at the STF Aurora Sky Station. A guided midnight sun hike goes from there at 900 meters up to the summit of Nuolja at 1,164 meters. A return cable car ticket is included; seasonal availability may vary.

In winter, visitors can go ski touring from the Aurora Sky Station and enjoy views of the Abisko Alps and Torneträsk. The Glidaren route heads south on a gentle downhill stretch towards Kårsavagge. Snow and safety conditions vary on this winter route. Abisko Adventure offers guided ski tours for beginners and for visitors looking for guided off-piste skiing in the Abisko mountains. These tours must be booked in advance; conditions may vary here too.

The Aurora snowshoe hike takes place in Abisko. Many animals live in the birch forest around Abisko in winter. During the hike, you may see tracks left by mountain hares, ptarmigans, foxes and lemmings, and, with a little luck, moose. Snowshoes and hot drinks are included in the hike. Tracks and animal sightings do not guarantee that you will see wildlife. Thanks to its position between the surrounding mountains, the national park is considered one of Sweden’s most reliable places to see the Northern Lights: the sky is often clear, even when neighboring areas are cloudy. Whether the Northern Lights are actually visible still depends on the weather and solar activity.

Getting around and local services

Abisko turist station is in Abisko National Park, about 800 meters from STF Abisko Turiststation and the Naturum Abisko visitor center. Local trails may change. In Abisko, Fjällinformationen offers advice from experienced guides on tours in the surrounding area. The STF Abisko Turiststation shop sells and rents outdoor clothing and equipment. Restaurant Kungsleden uses local ingredients whenever possible.

A wood-fired sauna is located on the shore of Torneträsk, about one kilometer from the tourist station. Check booking information in advance. This makes it possible to combine trails and seasonal activities with local services when planning your trip, without treating different routes or seasons as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Kiruna, Riksgränsen, Vittangi, Lannavaara, Karesuando, Björkliden.

Back to the main travel overview: Kiruna.